The Sixer Sense
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Sixers need to be smart at the trade deadline

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 2: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball as Joel Embiid #21 runs up the court against the Detroit Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons;Joel Embiid
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 2: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball as Joel Embiid #21 runs up the court against the Detroit Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Simmons;Joel Embiid /
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As the Philadelphia 76ers look to mend their roster at the deadline, Bryan Colangelo needs to be careful with his assets.

It’s no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers are starved for perimeter depth, something that has plagued them since the beginning of the season. J.J. Redick and Robert Covington have put together solid campaigns overall, but the second unit — those not named T.J. McConnell, at least — has generally underperformed.

That will likely be a point of emphasis for Bryan Colangelo as the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaches. They need more shooting and ideally a secondary playmaker, which could be a vital component next to Ben Simmons. If they can offload Jerryd Bayless in the process, that’d be even better.

Nonetheless, Colangelo needs to be careful when sifting through the trade market. Names like Lou Williams and Tyreke Evans are appealing, but they come with a sizable price tag attached. He needs to have some limitations on what he’s willing to give up.

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For players like Williams and Evans, that’s especially true. Expiring contracts are always risky, especially if the acquired veteran doesn’t want to stick in Philadelphia next season. Future financial flexibility is great, but giving up a significant long term asset (a first round pick), which is what L.A. and Memphis are asking, could be too much.

It looks like Colangelo is on board with that message. The Sixers have been connected to Evans, but the front office is reportedly not willing to part with one of their first rounders. That probably means Evans is heading somewhere else, most likely to a contender.

Joe Johnson and Rodney Hood are both names floating around the rumor mill in Utah. Johnson is somebody the Sixers could nab without risking a first round pick, which makes him a reasonable short-term play if nothing else. Hood, who’s still 25, would likely require a valuable pick.

Personally, I’m on board with the Sixers making moves for veteran wings. I don’t think Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Justin Anderson have proven themselves to be building blocks at this point, so cutting some of their playing time for someone who can help them make the playoffs isn’t unreasonable.

On a related note, Blake Griffin looked really good in his Pistons debut last night. The Sixers will have some stiff competition for that eighth seed, which I’m not sure they can overcome with their current roster.

Next: Does Joe Johnson make sense for the Sixers?

It’s still a long-term rebuild, though, so giving up anything more than a heavily-protected first round pick is risky. Valuing success now isn’t wrong, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of future prosperity.